Best Books for Analog IC Design – Build a Strong Foundation!

Are you an aspiring Analog IC Design engineer looking for the best resources to build a solid foundation and advance your expertise? If yes, this guide is for you!
Mastering Analog Integrated Circuit (IC) Design requires more than just hands-on experience. A deep theoretical understanding is crucial for designing high-performance analog circuits. While online courses and practical projects are helpful, books written by industry experts provide structured, in-depth knowledge that is essential for success.
In this post, we’ll explore six must-read books that every Analog IC Design engineer should have in their library.
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Let’s dive in! 🚀
1️⃣ Design of Analog CMOS Integrated Circuits – Behzad Razavi
- Why Read It? The gold standard for learning CMOS analog circuit design.
- MOSFET fundamentals
- Operational amplifiers & current mirrors
- Frequency response & compensation techniques
- Best for: Beginners and professionals looking for a clear introduction to CMOS analog design.
2️⃣ Analysis and Design of Analog Integrated Circuits – Gray & Meyer
- Why Read It? Widely used in top universities worldwide.
- Deep insights into circuit modeling
- Understanding topologies & frequency response
- Device physics and real-world applications
- Best for: Engineers who want to master the physics behind analog circuits.
3️⃣ CMOS Analog Circuit Design – Allen & Holberg
- Why Read It? A must-have for semiconductor professionals.
- CMOS circuit design principles
- Noise analysis and feedback systems
- Practical examples used in modern IC design
- Best for: Professionals in semiconductor industry and circuit optimization.
4️⃣ Microelectronic Circuits – Sedra & Smith
- Why Read It? Bridges the gap between theory and real-world applications.
- Fundamentals of analog and digital circuits
- Practical circuit design techniques
- Mix of theory and hands-on application
- Best for: Strengthening basics and practical skills.
5️⃣ Design with Operational Amplifiers and Analog Integrated Circuits – Sergio Franco
- Why Read It? Essential for op-amp-based circuit design.
- Feedback and stability concepts
- Advanced amplifier design
- Applications in signal processing & control systems
- Best for: Specializing in operational amplifier design.
6️⃣ Analog Design Essentials – Willy M.C. Sansen
- Why Read It? Packed with industry insights and professional design techniques.
- From theory to practical high-performance circuit design
- Essential techniques used by professionals
- Real-world case studies & applications
- Best for: Moving beyond textbook theory into practical IC design.
📌 How to Maximize Learning from These Books
- 💡 Tip #1 – Start with Behzad Razavi if you’re a beginner.
- 💡 Tip #2 – Use Sedra & Smith to solidify fundamental concepts.
- 💡 Tip #3 – If you’re already in the industry, Gray & Meyer or Sergio Franco will give you an advanced understanding.
- 💡 Tip #4 – Apply what you learn through simulation tools like Cadence, LTSpice, and XSpice to reinforce theory with practical experience.
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